Provide funding for miscellaneous support equipment replacement of up to 13 paratransit replacement vehicles and seven replacement fixed-route/commuter buses that have reached the end of their…

This $7,110,000 Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (CFDA 20.507 - Federal Transit Formula Grants) to the Norwalk Transit District in Connecticut will fund the replacement of 13 paratransit and 7 fixed-route/commuter buses that have reached the end of their useful life. Additionally, the grant will support competitive procurement activities for mobile ticketing and fare collection upgrades, replacement of ADA/paratransit scheduling and dispatching systems, and implementation of a state-of-the-art maintenance management system. These activities are expected to enhance the overall customer experience, increase operational efficiency, and improve the safety and reliability of the transit district's services. The award period extends from August 2024 through July 2028.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to provide funding for miscellaneous support equipment replacement of up to 13 paratransit replacement vehicles and seven replacement fixed-route/commuter buses that have reached the end of their useful life.

Activities

Activities to be performed will be competitive guided procurement activities for mobile ticketing and fare collection upgrades replacement of ADA/paratransit scheduling and dispatching systems and state of the are maintenance management system. The grant will also provide competitive grant activities for the procurement of up to 13 paratransit replacement vehicles which will include participation in a statewide procurement led by the greater new haven transit district buy america and bus line inspection services project management and travel expenses to ensure the compliance of all federal requirements associated with bus and paratransit vehicle procurement guidelines. Associated administrative costs for project implementation and grant management will be included. Activities for the seven replacement fixed-route/commuter buses that have reached the end of their useful life will include competitive procurement under and existing open contract procured by NTD buy america and bus line inspection services project management and travel expenses to ensure the compliance of all federal requirements associated with bus and paratransit vehicle procurement guidelines and associated administrative costs for project implementation and grant management will be included.

Expected outcomes

The expected outcomes will include an enhanced customer friendly transportation operation through the introduction of mobile ticketing fare collection and ticketing increased efficiency in paratransit/ADA scheduling and dispatching and enhanced safety and maintenance through better maintenance management. All of these items will optimize overall operating efficiencies in all facets of administration operations and maintenance. The replacement of paratransit vehicles and buses will improve the condition of our transit assets through ongoing state of good repair which will ensure the provision of safe and reliable services for our customers and employees.

Intended beneficiaries

The intended beneficiaries are the entire populace of the NTD communities that we serve including but not limited to the ADA frail elderly microtransit and other on-demand services fixed-route and commuter riders and employees.